The Seven Sacraments

The best selling Benedictine Fr Anselm Gr n applies his counselling experience, common sense, biblical insight and analytical training to the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church: Baptism, Eucharist (or Communion), Confirmation, Reconciliation (Penance, or Confession), Marriage, Ordination, Anointing of the Sick. Each sacrament’s meaning is examined, as well as its history, its form – past and present – and its impact on the life of those who receive it and those who administer it. Gr n also suggests how the sacraments could be made more relevant to Christians living in the twenty-first century. It should be of interest to adults about to receive any one of the sacraments, teachers, parish priests, and pastoral workers. Married and celibate may discover elements to celebrate in their own and the other’s way of life. As always, Gr n combines flashes of radicalism with deep understanding of Catholic tradition. His is a unique voice and here he reclaims a vital subject from widespread ignorance and neglect.

Author Biography

Anselm Grun is cellarer (administrator) of the Benedictine abbey of Munsterschwarzach in southern Germany. He directs courses in meditation techniques, interpretation of dreams, fasting, and contemplation. He is a prolific author whose books have achieved huge sales in many languages.